Minutes 02/13/2024 - Laserfiche WebLink

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February 13, 2024 Recommended Action :  Adoption of the ordinance. Next Steps Following Council Action :  The Finance Department will make the necessary budget adjustments. Motion by Ms. Lucas-Burke, and seconded by Mr. Barnes, to adopt the following ordinance, and was adopted by the following vote: “ORDINANCE ACCEPTING CHILDREN’S COMMUNITY CRISIS STABILIZATION SERVICES FUNDING IN THE AMOUNT OF $358,767 FROM THE VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES AND APPROPRIATING SAID FUNDS IN THE FY 2024 BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCARE SERVICE FUND TO PROVIDE COMPREHENSIVE MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE SERVICES TO CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS.” Ayes: Barnes, Hugel, Lucas-Burke, Moody, Tillage, Whitaker, Glover Nays: None 24 - 41 - Adoption of an ordinance amending and re-ordaining Article I of Chapter 4 of the Code of the City of Portsmouth, Virginia (Animals; In General) by adding a new Section 4-14 for the purpose of prohibiting horses in public ways except in certain specified instances. Background:  The presence of horses on public rights of way and property can result in damage and unsightly and malodorous nuisances, particularly where horse urine and feces are not cleaned up by the owner/rider. Discussion:  The City Code amendment prepared for Council consideration addresses this concern by prohibiting using, riding, otherwise possessing, or leaving unattended horses on streets, rights of way, or other public property.  The proposed Code amendment creates the following exceptions to the prohibition: Use or possession of a horse by a law enforcement officer engaged in their official o duties; Use or possession of a horse by a participant in a city-sponsored event or other o similar event for which a permit has been issued; Transportation of a horse over a public street or right of way in a motor vehicle or o motor vehicle trailer, where the horse is secured in the motor vehicle or trailer; and Use or possession of a horse within a designated area of a public park. o  Pursuant to existing Section 4-12 of the City Code, violation of the new provision would constitute a Class 4 misdemeanor.  The Code amendment addresses only public property. It does not prohibit the presence of horses on private property. Financial Impact:  There will be no material financial impact. Recommended Action:  Adoption of the ordinance. Next Steps Following Council Action:  City staff will publicize and enforce the new Code section. Motion by Mr. Moody, and seconded by Mr. Hugel, to adopt the following ordinance, and was adopted by the following vote: